I slid into the driver's seat of the Ferrari Enzo as it sat in the small garage at the Fiorano test track. While I awaited the signal to start my four laps of the circuit, I scanned the instrument panel and controls, but then paid close attention to the steering wheel, which is unlike anything you've seen this side of a Formula 1 car. The Enzo — so named by Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo — is the latest in the series of what Ferrari calls its extreme sports cars, dating back to the 288 GTO, then the F40 and the F50. As the press brochure states, these cars represent "the synthesis of the highest levels of technology and performance that Ferrari can offer its customers for use on the road..."

A Closer Look at the Ferrari Enzo Take a Behind the Scenes look at Maranello's latest and greatest new supercar.

The Enzo Ferrari (the true model name but Ferrari officials say it should just be referred to as the Enzo) is an incredible technological tour de force: The styling is driven by aerodynamics and derived from the World Champion Formula 1 car; the new V-12 engine is ultra-light and compact; the F1 paddle-shift gearbox is incredibly quick; and the chassis is built entirely of carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb panels. While the Enzo is not a small car, as you can see from the accompanying specifications, it doesn't seem to be as big as it actually is. And at just over 3000 lb. of curb weight, it's fairly light for its 185.1-in. overall length and 80.1-in. width.

This sixth generation of the new Corvette looks right. Despite the radical changes — such as the exposed headlamps, the longer wheelbase and shorter overall length, the proportions and the detailing clearly communicate traditional Corvette styling.